The proposed KQ-KAA merger may not take place after all.
Stakeholders who say they were not consulted have praised MPs for opposing the planned merger.
On Thursday last week, MPs protested what they termed as a scheme to sneak in the contentious National Aviation Management Bill, 2020 without engaging key players in the sector.
The bill seeks to make KQ a parastatal.
The Standard newspaper reported on Friday that the planned merger of Kenya Airways (KQ) with profit-making Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) ran into fresh headwinds over claims of inadequate public participation.
The Media House went on to say that this forced National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to order another round of the collection of views to prevent a possible court case.
Some of the members of the Transport Committee chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing said on the floor of the House that reports by some key stakeholders were not taken into consideration.
“A KAA evaluation report was not considered by the committee,” said Wajir North MP Ahmed Abdisalan.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Competition Authority of Kenya were also denied an opportunity to submit their views.
Speaker Justin Muturi consequently gave the committee three days to allow those with views to make their submissions.
The National Aviation Management Bill, 2020 is awaiting the second reading.
Stakeholders who spoke to Hot News wondered how the new entity formed out of the merger will be regulated.
“How can your competitor be your regulator? We know there are plans to sell the new entity to an Arab Airline which has been trying to enter Kenya. This will only benefit a few individuals,” said a stakeholder who requested anonymity.
A source within Parliament said all the members of the Transport Committee are opposed to the bill.
The committee is chaired by MP David, Pkosing.
Members include Dominic Kipkoech Koskei, Peris Tobiko, Kulow Maalim Hassan, Samuel Arama, Shadrack Mose, Rehema Dida Jaldesa and Ahmed Bashane Gaal.
Others are David Njuguna Kiaraho, Johnson Manya, Tom Mboya Odege, Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, Gideon Mulyuingi, Ali Wario Guyo, George Aladwa, Gathoni Wamuchomba Mercy Wanjiku, Abdul Rahim Dawood and Omar Mwinyi Shimbwa.
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